Park Information

Park Rules

All Park users should be aware of the following Park rules which apply to all areas of Cromwell Valley Park at all times. They have been instituted for the safety of Park visitors, he Park is open from SUNRISE to SUNSET. Gates ARE LOCKED at dark.

Park attendants/employees are the final authority in any dispute regarding the interpretation of the printed Park rules and regulations, or in any manner that may arise that is not covered by the Park rules and regulations. Any violation of the rules and regulations shall result in the persons being asked to vacate the Park. Those persons may also be subject to legal action.  It is understood that the person/persons in charge of an organization or group utilizing the Park will be responsible for the actions and safety of the group and will comply with rules as stated.

 

GENERAL PARK RULES

• You MUST Park your vehicle in designated parking areas. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN A PARKING CITATION.
• We are a TRASH FREE Park, so please take your trash and recyclables with you when you leave.
• The set up and use of tents, or pop-up type canopies is NOT allowed in the Park.
• Amplified music is NOT allowed in the Park. Folks are welcome to play a guitar, or use a small radio/disc player, but no amplification.
• Moon Bounces, or any other type of portable and/ or inflatable play equipment, are strictly prohibited.
• Balloons are NOT allowed in the Park and balloon releases are strictly prohibited.
• Metal Detecting is NOT allowed in the Park.
• The use of any fireworks or firecrackers is NOT allowed.
• Drone operators may not interfere with Park programs, may not harass wildlife, and may not fly near livestock or over open bodies of water.
• Smoking is NOT allowed within 30 feet of any building.
• Smoke bombs are NOT allowed.

 

YOUR PETS

Your pets must be leashed at all time, in all areas of the Park. Owners are responsible for cleanup. “Mutt Mitts” and waste receptacles are located throughout the Park. ANIMAL CITATIONS WILL BE ISSUED TO THOSE OWNERS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO COMPLY.

 

TRAILS & MEADOWS

• Bicycles (mountain, street or off-road) and are NOT allowed on any Park trails, fields, forests or off-trail  at any time.  Bikes are ONLY permitted on paved surfaces (driveways, access road between Willow Grove Nature Center and Sherwood, as well as the Sherwood driving circle.).
• Horseback riding is NOT permitted anywhere in the Park.
• Campfires are NOT allowed in the Park unless part of a Naturalist led or Scout program. Campfire rings can NOT be used by the general public. Scout groups must contact the Park Office to schedule campfire ring use prior to their program.
• Volleyball, badminton, and horseshoe games are permitted in the open field next to the Willow Grove Farm kiosk and Sherwood House Park Office front lawn.

 

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Commercial Photographers are REQUIRED to apply for a permit from the Department of Recreation and Parks through their CIVICREC Registration system.  Details on how to apply are below.   Please allow a minimum of 5 days for approval once your Permit Application, Certificate of Insurance, and Waiver are submitted.

 

PICNICS & GRILLS

• Charcoal-type fires are permitted in private and park owned grills.  All charcoal MUST be disposed of in designated red charcoal barrels only.
• Propane grills are NOT allowed in the Park.
• Picnic tables are not to be moved from one area to another.
• Alcohol is permitted in picnic areas if consumed responsibly.
• Trash in = Trash out. Leave no trace.  Please take all trash with you when you leave the Park.

Park Directions

From Beltway to east entrance:
Take the I-695 beltway, get off at Exit 29A (from either direction).
Turn left at the first light onto Cromwell Bridge Road, then go about 1 mile. (Watch for the speed camera by the school.)
Pass 1st entrance (Sherwood Farm).
In another ½ mile, at 2nd entrance, turn left onto park entry road at 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road. Sign says “Cromwell Valley Park, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, Willow Grove Farm.”
Follow the road across the bridge, and park in gravel parking lot on left. Careful, as the entry road is one lane. If someone is driving out, you need to wait at the top.